ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Teen Research Internship Program sponsored by Johnson & Johnson (TRIPxJ&J) at Fox Chase Cancer Center offers high school students hands-on experiential learning in science and medicine. TRIPxJ&J is designed for motivated students eager to explore these fields while developing resilience, communication, and critical thinking skills outside the traditional classroom

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

TRIPxJ&J is divided into three phases: Project Design, Experimentation, and Communication. 

• Project Design: Students select their own experimental conditions to investigate how diet, inflammation, and environmental stress affect organismal health, development, and behavior. They also develop foundational lab and problem-solving skills.
  
• Experimentation: Students conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and learn to navigate challenges, building essential scientific reasoning skills.
• Communication: In the final phase, students present their findings through a recorded presentation and a blog post where they share what they learned and experienced during the program to inform and inspire others who may be interested in participating. 

​Beyond the Lab 

In addition to research, students benefit from: 

• One-on-one mentoring with Fox Chase faculty
• Team-building and leadership development
• Exposure to careers in science and medicine
• A supportive community of driven and curious peers

PROGRAM DETAILS:

TRIPxJ&J 2026 runs every Tuesday & Saturday from September 8th to November 7th at Fox Chase Cancer Center (333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111). 

• Session A: Tuesdays, 4 pm-7:45 pm
• Session B: Saturdays, 8:30 am-12:15 pm

After completing the in-lab portion, students will present their research findings at a symposium on November 21st.
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a stipend of $1300 (about 15/hour for lab and prep time). 

ELIGIBILITY & ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

Who is eligible to apply to TRIP? 

• High school students in the Philadelphia School District or Montgomery County, PA who will be at least 16 years old by September 8th, 2026 are eligible for the program.
  

Academic Background

• Completion of at least one high school Biology or Chemistry course is recommended but not required.

Attendance Policy

• Students must attend all program days for either Session A or Session B.
• Unexcused absences (any absence not due to a documented illness, pre-approved circumstance, or severe weather) will result in dismissal from the program.
• A parent/guardian must review and agree to this attendance policy.

APPLICATION REVIEW TIMELINE

Applications and transcripts will be reviewed by a panel of program staff in June. Candidate interviews will be held in early July. Final decisions will be made by early August. 

​Please direct all questions to Dr. Theresa Austria at [email protected]. Please use "TRIPxJ&J@FCCC'26" in the subject line of all emails regarding the 2026 program.